Gareth Barry last night risked the wrath of his former club after admitting he can understand why Emile Heskey needs to quit Aston Villa.

England midfielder Barry is public enemy number one at Villa Park after his £12 million summer switch to Manchester City.

And his latest comments are unlikely to go down well with Villa boss Martin O’Neill and the club’s fans after he claimed he sympathises with his former team mate Heskey.

Heskey, who has started just one Premier League game this season, has admitted he may have to quit Villa in January to ensure he keeps his World Cup hopes alive.

Barry said: “I know where his fears are probably coming from at the moment. He’s done fantastic for England with his partnership with Wayne Rooney and he is probably thinking about how long it can go on without playing for his club.

“The manager has made it clear that you have to be playing regularly and I am sure it is something Emile will need to think about and the best route to go.

“It is a World Cup year, so that raises expectations to another level. Of course it will be in the back of a player’s mind.

“Emile is no different to anyone else in the squad. He wants to be playing regularly at his club and you have to work hard at your club, so that could be good for England above everything else.”